Adoption Profiles – How do you get started?

If you’re in the process of adopting a baby domestically, then you are most likely trying to figure out how to develop an adoption profile book, a “birthmother” letter or adoption profile website. For those who don’t know, an adoption profile generally includes a letter to the expectant mother and additional information about you, your [...]

If you’re in the process of adopting a baby domestically, then you are most likely trying to figure out how to develop an adoption profile book, a “birthmother” letter or adoption profile website. For those who don’t know, an adoption profile generally includes a letter to the expectant mother and additional information about you, your life and adoption wishes. It includes photos, too, and they can be presented in the form of an adoption profile book or adoption profile website. If you’re working with an adoption agency or professional, then they will guide what you need to develop for them. But as most major projects, the starting part can be the toughest. As the author of Teeny Peanut Insightful Adoption Ideas eBook and working with adoptive parents for Teeny Peanut Designs, I have some suggestions to make it a little easier to get started.

Determine your needs

Figure out exactly what materials you will need to develop and what materials you would like to develop. Once you have determined that (i.e., website, 4-page profile book, outreach postcard), find out exactly what information and photos should be included in each item. Don’t get overwhelmed. You’ll quickly discover many of the same things can be used for different pieces with just some text modifications.

Make lists

Lists help you capture all of the possible items you would like to include while organizing your thoughts. They’re easy to review, change and update. Also, they will help to keep things simple and concise as you start to write your information in paragraph format. To help you get started with the lists, I put together a worksheet which can be downloaded for FREE at www.teenypeanutdesigns.com. It includes ideas about what specific contact information to include as well as primary topics to address….you don’t need to include ALL of them and you may have some different ones to include. Use the worksheet to jot down your initial thoughts and supporting photos. An expanded version of the worksheet is included in the Teeny Peanut Insightful Adoption Ideas eBook.

Get input

It can be difficult to write about yourself. Ask family and friends to share their thoughts about you. Having other perspectives can be insightful and can enable you to look at things in a whole new light. Use family and friends as sounding boards before, during and after your development process. Of course, if you know someone who has gone through this process already, tap into them for their experiences and words of wisdom.

Prioritize

You could probably write a novel about everything in your life but don’t! You have limited time and resources to catch and maintain the expectant mother’s attention. Figure out what is most important and focus on that. One way to help your prioritize is to think about what you would be looking for if you were in the expectant mother’s position. Because every expectant mother is different, there is no wrong answer, but it will help you stay focused. It’s also easy to digress, ramble and to include details which really aren’t necessary at this time. So, when thinking about specific items to include, simply ask yourself, “Will this provide valuable insight into my life?” If the answer is no, then leave it out.

5 Responses to Adoption Profiles – How do you get started?

Hi William….thanks for visiting my blog and leaving such a positive comment! I hope you’ll check back again as I continue to add more insightful tips. You can follow on Facebook or Twitter @TeenyPeanuts to get the latest entries. Good luck on your adoption journey!